The flu is running rampant in my city. Almost every friend has had or has this dreaded bug. Haven't had to do any shopping so for this year. No Super Markets, no restaurants, no Malls. We are avoiding all public places until this flu season is over. We're still flu free [touch wood or what ever your supposed to do].

-- thinkIcan (thinkIcan@make.It), January 12, 2000

Answers

About this flu around here, the people who have it say they have never been that sick, and it lasts for weeks. Who needs it.

-- thinkIcan (thinkIcan@make.it), January 12, 2000.

Bad idea. If things break down later this year, you will have used up all your preps and you won't be able to get more. You should STILL be stocking up while the stores are still open.

-- (pete@westridge.org), January 12, 2000.

This dam* bug killed my 84-year old father-in-law on December 30. He NEVER had colds.

This is a nasty flu. If people don't have to go out, it's best they stay home and avoid public places.

Even though we try to limit our exposure, sometimes these things get us anyway. Good luck on avoiding this Y2K bug.

-- Lurkess (Lurkess@Lurking.Net), January 12, 2000.

Lurkess,

Sincere condolences for your loss.

-- (RUOK@yesiam.com), January 12, 2000.

Son is an EMT and said here the hospitals wouldnt even take anyone. He came over about 2 weeks ago and looked like a walking germ!!! He laid on my couch for 2 days and when he left, he did NOT take influenza with him...I have personally not been that sick since 1980!! I had the stomach version....BTW, anybody see the commercial for Relenza? The big guy comes to the door and his name is 'influenza'? It is toooo funnyy..

-- consumer (shh@aol.com), January 12, 2000.

Personally, I think that using preps for cutting down on shopping is not too bad an idea...especially for those in hard-hit areas. Staying healthy is very important...

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), January 12, 2000.

Pete ---- Good thinking. We both know those "preps" will be needed a little bit down the road. We probably have enough supplies to last close to two years, so using a little of them now won't hurt too much.

-- thinkIcan (thinkIcan@make.it), January 12, 2000.

Lurkess, I am sorry to hear about your loss. Best Wishes

-- Bill (sticky@2sides.tape), January 12, 2000.

The only problem I can see with avoiding exposure is that you will never acquire an immunity to this virus without it. I am still recuperating: Came down with it on Christmas day, and I don't remember coughing so much since I lived in Juneau AK in the 60's. Not a nice bug, but might be a necessary one for our internal defense systems.

-- Liz (lizpavek@hotmail.com), January 12, 2000.

I've heard it said it is not too late to get the flu shot, and that this beast is not supposed to peak until March. (Time enough for the shots to kick in, if you did not get it earlier.) Also, if you are elderly, or responsible for someone that is, get them to get the pnuemonia (sp?) shot too.

AND, if you can't avoid public places, or work with other people, it is said that if you can avoid touching doorknobs, telephones, etc, that other people touch, and also avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes until you can wash your hands. They also have a germicidial "wipie" that may help.

Stay home...eat your preps.

-- Mary (CAgdma@HOME.com), January 12, 2000.

For all the people who are so very sick. Please don't flame--trying to help. Last fall I read where research had been done in Israel on the flu. The upshot was that elderberry overcame the flu symptoms. Often in as short as 3 days. There is elderberry syrup in GNC. Elderberry jam. And, elderberry wine. We have been taking jam and wine--and were only violently ill for 24 hrs. I know how nutty it sounds but it might be worth trying.

-- Pam Goodrich (jpjgood@penn.com), January 12, 2000.

Wash your hands frequently. Do not touch your face with hands you haven't washed. Get a humidifier for your house (makes it more comfortable if you are going to be sick and hanging around there for weeks). Make sure you are taking all your vitamins and minerals every day. Get yourself as healthy as you can if you haven't had this virus yet, and you might avoid it. Seems like stress and fatigue compromise the immune system, so get plenty of rest. If you already have it, my profoundest sympathies. Drink lots of fluids and treat the symptoms as well as you can.

-- Liz (lizpavek@hotmail.com), January 12, 2000.

This flu is not affected by the shot. I read on a post a couple weeks ago that it lasts for 3 weeks and the cough for 6. Seems about right from my friends who've had it.

-- John Littmann (LITTMANNJ@AOL.COM), January 12, 2000.

Thanks all for your kind thoughts.

-- Lurkess (Lurkess@Lurking.Net), January 12, 2000.

Pam, Elderberry is good, a very good source of viatmin C, which is an anti-infective.

Lurkess, I am so sorry for your loss. How very devastating. My best wishes to you and yours. God bless.

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), January 12, 2000.

LURKESS -- so sorry to hear about you and your spouses' loss. So sad.

-- tt (cuddluppy@aol.com), January 12, 2000.

To Lurkess and all others who have recently been bereaved by the loss of a loved one:

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME

When tomorrow starts without me,

and Im not there to see;

If the sun should rise and find your eyes,

all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldnt cry,the way you did today,

while thinking of the many things

we didnt get to say.

I know how much you love me,

as much as I love you,

and each time you think of me,

I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,

please try to understand,

that an angel came and called my name,

and took me by the hand,

and said my place was ready,

in heaven far above,

and that I would have to leave behind,

all those I dearly love.

As I walked through heaven's gates,

I felt so much at home.

When God looked down and smiled at me,

from his great golden throne,

He said"This is eternity,and all I've promised you."

Today for life on Earth is past,

but here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,

and since each day is the same day,

there's no longing for the past.

So won't you take my hand,and share my life with me?

When tomorrow starts without me,

don't think we're far apart,

for everytime you think of me,

I'm right here,in your heart.

author unknown

With heartfelt sympathy;

Rev ThunderLight

-- hiding in plain (sight@edge of.nowhere), January 12, 2000.

I'm working my way through 5 cases of chicken broth. It's excellent for soups or by itself with crushed cloves of garlic, it's the best for colds and flu. I haven't had a cold or flu this winter, I'm counting on my chicken broth to carry me through.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), January 12, 2000.

The elderberry product mentioned above that we have found to be very effective against viral flu is called "Sambucol." It is produced in Israel and marketed by a company called Nature's Way. Readily available in most health food stores and tastes wonderful...in a liquid form that kids love! Take at the first sign of flu for best results.

-- Jay (jaybrau@chorus.net), January 12, 2000.

My sympathies also.

Have been reading a lot about Colloidal/Ionic silver...Pre and Post Rollover. Anyone have any thoughts re this and flu?

-- Larry (Rampon@Airmail.net), January 12, 2000.

My sister the Wal*Martian got nailed by that flu bug last week. Probably picked up at China*Mart, er, Wal*Mart by the constant influx of patrons. Vomiting, bed-ridden, loss of appetite (really rare for her!) and nausea.

I don't advise boldly walking into infected areas with intent of building up immune systems. If the plague was spreading, would you still go shopping or would you keep at home with your preps?

Common sense is Y2K compliant.

-- dinosaur (dinosaur@williams-net.com), January 12, 2000.